Davis Thompson of the United States reacts after a birdie on the first hole during the third round of the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run on July 06, 2024 in Silvis, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Thompson, a 25-year-old from Atlanta, has played some great golf this season. Despite missing five cuts in 19 previous starts this year, Thompson has 10 top-25 finishes, three top-10 finishes and two runner-up performances, including last week at the Rocket Mortgage Classic.
The Georgia Bulldog grabbed a share of ninth at the U.S. Open last month, his first made cut in a major championship.
On Saturday, Thompson sprinted out the gates with birdies on Nos. 1 and 2 before cashing in three more at the fifth, sixth and eighth to go out with a 5-under 30. After pars on 10 and 11, Thompson capitalized on a near ace on the par-3 12th and made another birdie.
After a 14-foot make on 13 and a great up-and-down on the drivable par-4 14th, Thompson was 8 under for the day, 20 under total and held a three-shot lead.
Eric Cole made eagle on the 17th to pull within a shot, but Thompson made birdie to push the margin back to two.
Thompson made a four on the closing hole to solidify his 9-under 62.
“I mean, last week I was four back going into Sunday. I didn’t really know what it would take to win that golf tournament,” he said. “I played really solid Sunday. Just came up one shot short. But, I mean, not really. It’s a new week. I feel like I’ve been playing well. Just tried to keep it going. Yeah, hopefully I got one more good one in me tomorrow.”
